Also good to have a venue in which both foreign & Chinese kids can meet & chat, as at that age the various prejudices that adults have imbibed from their own backgrounds are not yet set in concrete.

@Alien you are completly right in what you say. I am only pointing out a fact that makes me think about how Inconsiusly they push us away. At the same time i am aware that by the time China becomes more multicultural educated (if ever), i might already left, so i accept is not going to change. And i am also aware that there are plenty of foreigners which don´t try very hard either.

Back to topic

@alien I like your way of making this issue into something positive, like a kids english corner and doing business for the Bar. It is a really nice way. Maybe will never happen, but just the propose of it is really nice.

I don't mind. I've been asked to do it and had some interesting parents and kids who had excellent pronunciation.
My concern and gut feeling is that there may be a rumor out there (looking at the steep increase).
A rumor that says: "if you get enough signatures it will help you get a visa to emigrate or study in another country".
Like "sponsorship" in a way. Why else would they make pictures and ask for signatures?

I am not bothered as they have all asked first and been very polite, if this is just expected and the photo not asked for......well that's a different story!

Happened to me last night - I chatted briefly with the kid, the parents took the photo, everybody was polite, it was quick, no problem.

I think if they are polite, ask before pointing a camera in your face and keep the questions to a few minutes...why not? These kids hardly get a chance to speak with foreigners and this is a good chance for them to do so.